Get the Bravo Newsletter

Met with a Challenge

Fulfilling my lifelong dream of designing a gown for the Met Ball (The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual costume ball) was incredible; having an amazing client like Chrissy Teigen was amazing (and getting to cover the dress with thousands of Swarovski crystals was so decadent). Then why was this task the most overwhelming one of all the ten episodes of Mad Fashion? One word -- pressure. The overwhelming pressure of one of my designs being seen at the incredible fashion arena that the Met Ball has become was one sort of pressure, but having such a short period of time to do it in was another. My first shot at it and I have to get it done in three days! That, plus the added drama that Chrissy's boyfriend, who just happens to be John Legend, was there to give his opinion. Oh, and did I mention I only had three days?! The black beads, sequins, feathers, and safety pins were flying, and between all of us we magically whipped up a dark, sexy, feathered, and human-haired dramatic masterpiece. There was a little tussle over the leather neck corset I wanted Chrissy to wear, but she was more comfortable with the feathered collar with a custom-made dramatic necklace. She looked amazing (when doesn't she?) and had her red carpet Black Swan fantasy come true. I was thrilled to see the dramatic train we worked so hard on floating up the red stairs of the museum. Chills! I can't believe that ten episodes have gone by so quickly. A lot of work went into each one, from the camera crews, the editors, the sound guys, the electricians, the directors, executives, and especially from Matt, Izzy, Alex, Christine, and Jake. What an amazing experience -- to get to work with such great people doing what I love, and then have it magically turned into a fun and outrageous TV show! And like Carol Burnett always used to say, "I truly am so glad we had this time together."